Flight durations to and from Zanzibar vary based on the departure city, with direct flights typically ranging from 5 to 11 hours.
Here’s an overview of flight times from major international cities:
Table of Contents
How Long Flight to Zanzibar? (ZNZ)
- Dubai (DXB): Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
- Frankfurt (FRA): Around 8 hours 45 minutes.
- Paris (CDG): Approximately 9 hours.
- Brussels (BRU): Approximately 9 hours 15 minutes.
- Guangzhou (CAN): Around 11 hours.
Flight Times from Zanzibar
- Dubai (DXB): Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
- Frankfurt (FRA): Around 8 hours 45 minutes.
- Paris (CDG): Approximately 9 hours.
- Guangzhou (CAN): Around 11 hours.
Please note that flight durations can vary based on factors such as wind conditions, air traffic, and specific flight paths. Always check with airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
READ ALSO: The Accurate Distance from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar in 2025
Distance from Johannesburg to Zanzibar
The straight‑line (“as‑the‑crow‑flies”) Johannesburg to Zanzibar distance (Unguja Island), Tanzania, is approximately:
- 2,500 km (≈1,554–1,563 miles)
JHB to Zanzibar Flight Time/How Long Is the Flight to Zanzibar?/How Long Is a Flight to Zanzibar?/Flight Time to Zanzibar
- The JHB to Zanzibar flight time for nonstop flights is typically about 3½ to 3 hours 50 minutes.
Connecting & Overland Travel Options
If you’re interested in combining modes (e.g. bus, train, ferry), Rome2Rio maps out a multi‑day overland route: bus → train → ferry, taking 2–3 days and covering ~2,526 km.
Summary Table
| Mode | Johannesburg to Zanzibar Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Direct flight | ~2,500 km | ~3.5–3.8 h (JHB to Zanzibar Flight Time) |
| Overland (multi-leg) | ~2,525 km | ~2–3 days (bus/train/ferry) |
Additional Insights
- Direct flights between JNB and ZNZ: Airlines like Safair and Air Tanzania operate direct flights several times per week.
- Overland route includes a ferry across Zanzibar Channel (29–37 km wide) connecting to the mainland.
Bottom line
For most travelers, flying is far faster and more convenient: ~2,500 km in ~3½ hours.
Overland options exist but take 2–3 days.
READ ALSO: Distance From Dar to Zanzibar/Dar to Zanzibar KM
South Africa to Tanzania Distance
Great Circle (Air) Distance & Flight Time
- Great circle distance: approximately 2,797 km (1,738 mi) between South Africa and Tanzania.
- Estimated flight time: around 3 hours and 59 minutes for a typical commercial airliner.
- Additional data: TravelMath cites about 2,807 km (1,744 mi) air distance, with Tanzania being 1 hour ahead of South Africa in local time.
So, flying in a straight line from South Africa to Tanzania generally takes roughly 3 ½ to 4 hours, covering about 2,800 km.
Driving (Road) Distance & Time
- Total driving distance: approximately 4,096 km (2,545 mi) from South Africa to Tanzania (one-way).
- Estimated nonstop driving time: about 48 hours, 58 minutes, based on average traffic conditions.
- Johannesburg-specific drive: Around 40 hours from Johannesburg to Tanzania.
Summary Comparison
| Travel Mode | Distance | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Great Circle (Flight) | ~2,797 km (~1,738 mi) | ~3 h 59 min (air time) |
| Road (Driving) | ~4,096 km (~2,545 mi) | ~49 h nonstop (≈ 2 days) |
Notes & Context
- The great circle method calculates the shortest flying distance between the two countries—about 2,800 km.
- Actual road travel is significantly longer at roughly 1.5 times the flying distance due to road routing, borders, and terrain.
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Photo Credits: Monda Africa Tours & Safaris Ltd., Airportia